Winter can be a tricky time of the year navigating the weather to experience your favourite activities, trust us we hear you! Good news, our What Ability participants are out in the community 365 days a year, so this was an easy list for us to share.

These winter recommendations are perfect for NDIS participants working towards their goals! We’re looking at venues that provide a fun and inclusive environment that promote:

  • Social interaction
  • Skill development
  • Community engagement

Here’s our top winter activities around Australia right now; from adventurous expeditions to cosy cinema nights, these favourites will ensure fun and safe disability support for you these Winter months!

Now, if you’re not with What Ability yet, and you’re looking for new support workers? Our team is ready! You pick the adventure and we’re in! To get started check out our top pages:

 

 

 

New South Wales

Macquarie Ice Rink

📍Corner of Herring Road and, Waterloo Rd, North Ryde NSW 2113

Cold days are perfect for skating across the rink and channelling your inner Elsa or Olaf. Sydney offers a host of ice skating rinks to choose from with locations in Alexandria, Macquarie and Liverpool. 

Fun fact! Did you know that Macquarie Ice Rink permits wheelchairs on the ice during certain quiet or designated sessions? Ready to glide into action? Email their team to arrange! 

Event Cinemas Miranda

📍600 Kingsway, Miranda NSW 2228

Going to the movies can play a significant role in achieving your NDIS goals by promoting social inclusion and enhancing quality of life. Movie cinemas provide an accessible and enjoyable outing that encourages community participation and interaction, essential for social and emotional well-being. The immersive experience of a film can also stimulate cognitive and sensory engagement, offering a fun and therapeutic break from routine.

Head over to a Events Cinema In Miranda and indulge in a movie of your choice! Their theatres also offer restricted mobility access and wheelchair spaces with companion seating. 

 

Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre

📍9 Olympic Blvd, Sydney Olympic Park

I know what you’re thinking, swimming in the middle of winter? What are you thinking? Well Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre has you covered with heated pools and spas for you to enjoy. This activity promotes physical health, social interaction, and overall well-being. Swimming and water-based activities offer low-impact exercise, ideal for enhancing mobility, strength, and cardiovascular health. Additionally, the sensory experience of being in water can be both calming and stimulating, aiding in stress relief and improving mental health. By fostering physical fitness, social inclusion, and emotional well-being, regular visits to an aquatic center can help you meet your NDIS goals effectively.

Feeling adventurous? This aquatic centre is accessible and designed to accommodate a wide range of needs AND is also equipped with a massive water slide!

Queensland

Ripley’s Believe it or not Surfers Paradise

📍Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise

Embark on a mind bending adventure at Ripleys Believe it or not. Built with accessibility in mind; the venue has ramps, wider corridors, elevators and a team trained to host guests with all abilities! They also accept companion cards. 

There are so many unbelievable activities including peculiar pop art, pop culture memorabilia (featuring an incredibly realistic R2-D2) and reflective mirror maze to get lost in.

Let your imagination run wild at Ripley’s Believe it or not this winter!

 

Whale Watching

📍Sea World Cruises Terminal, Seaworld Dr, Main Beach

Queensland’s coastline provides the perfect opportunity to observe whales along the humpback highway. During the winter seasons, Whales migrate north through the Great Barrier Reef so hop on a cruise and watch as they swim past. This outdoor activity provides an opportunity to connect with nature, which can have therapeutic benefits, such as reducing stress and enhancing mood. The excitement and wonder of observing whales in their natural habitat can stimulate cognitive engagement and provide a memorable and joyful experience. Additionally, whale watching tours often involve group participation, fostering social interaction and a sense of community. 

Jump on a Sea World Cruise using a companion card and set sail, oh and don’t forget some warm clothing for the ride!

 

Dopamine Land

📍Level Q, Uptown, 91 Queen St, Brisbane City

Dopamine Land is a multi-sensory experience where you can embrace your inner child. The space was designed to boost happiness and stimulate cognitive and emotional engagement, while also promoting social interaction. Home to a plethora of colourful installations, one being the amazing ‘Galaxy of Lights’, a room with an array of colourful reflections and pictures, this is a place where joy knows no bounds.

Eager to explore their amazing sensory rooms? Bookings are essential so make sure you plan your day in advance.

 

 

Victoria

Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq Chadstone

📍1341 Dandenong Rd Service Rd, Chadstone

What if I told you there was a place where you could bowl strikes, immerse yourself in VR and play your favourite games at the arcade in a circus-like atmosphere, well there is and there’s probably one near you.

Archie Brothers is an all-in-one bonanza of fun-filled entertainment. In our opinion, it’s a fun-filled destination for all ages – thank you Funlab crew! There’s lots of different games for all abilities so you can play alone or grab the crew and book a bowling lane! 

Once you’re all out of fun, reside at the candy bar and indulge in your favourite old classics from meat lovers pizza to french fries.

What are you waiting for? Grab your companion card and check it out today!

 

Kryal Castle Ballarat

📍121 Forbes Rd, Leigh Creek

Become a knight in shining armour for the day and experience a unique blend of accessible mediaeval adventure and fun at Kryal Castle in Ballarat. This inclusive and accessible environment encourages social interaction, helping to build friendships and a sense of community. 

While you’re there don’t miss out on Kryal Castle’s Frozen Kingdom. Part of the annual Ballarat Winter Festival, Frozen Kingdom is an icy spectacular offering an exciting-limited time program featuring fierce knight battles, theatre shows and amazing arts and crafts.

Still not convinced? Check out our day out at Kryal Castle with our participant Callee and her AFLW support worker, Gab Pound!

 

Melbourne Sea Life Aquarium

📍King St, Melbourne

Whether it’s exploring the twelve interactive animals zones or getting up close and personal with some of the world’s most incredible animals through their amazing encounters, Melbourne Sea Life Aquarium has you covered. This venue provides an engaging and educational environment that supports cognitive, social, and emotional development. 

SEA LIFE Melbourne welcomes all assistance animals and guide dogs and is wheelchair accessible!

Bring along your companion card and purchase a day pass to start your adventure.

 

Western Australia

 

Powerplay Go Karts

📍7 Sobek Pass, Bibra Lake WA 6163

Ever wondered what it was like to drive an F1 circuit? Cruise like Max Verstappen around tight bends in a high velocity go kart at Powerplay Go Karts in South Perth. 

Enjoy an eco-friendly experience with electric go karts and a unique two-level racecourse including ramps, bridges and tunnels. This exciting activity encourages participants to develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and quick reflexes, all of which contribute to physical and cognitive development. The inclusive and supportive environment of a go-karting track offers opportunities for socialization, teamwork, and building friendships, which are essential for social well-being. 

Prices range based on age/number of races however you may use a companion card when booking your first race.

 

Lost Reality Escape Room

📍295 Albany Highway, Victoria Park

Think you can escape from any of the seven breathtaking escape rooms at Lost Reality Escape Rooms? Think again. 

The seven escape rooms are uniquely themed with rooms in Tokyo, London and even in the Jungle, all designed with high-tech missions and mysterious clues to help you on your journey. 

To make it even better! Their team are committed to accommodating any visual, audio, or sensory requirements you might have. Reach out to their team to discuss this more.

 

Archery @ Forrestdale Indoor Archery

📍12 Alex Wood Drive, Forrestdale

Embrace your inner hawk-eye at Perth’s only 24/7 air-conditioned indoor archery range! 

There are many sessions throughout the day but make sure you book in advance to avoid missing out on the fun! Their team is on hand to ensure the session is accessible for everyone!

 

Looking to have more FUN with your support worker? Follow us on socials or if you’re a What Ability participant, check out our activity planners here. 

If you’re keen to know more about how What Ability can support your needs, head to our website or call the team on 1300 358 714. Our Melbourne team can’t wait to hear from you!

AND if you haven’t already, you can sign up with the What Ability Foundation to unlock your first experience!